10 May 2010

A Paper Cake

It seems like I'm on a never ending quest to clean out my emails, organize the photos on my computer, meaningfully file the inspirational images that litter my desktop...I'd get it all done, if only there weren't so many forgotten treasures to rediscover along the way. So it is with this project today. I ran across these photos and they immediately made me want to make paper cakes again.

I made this papier-mache cake as a centerpiece for my aunt's 60th birthday party. The actual birthday cake was a sheet cake and too large to use as a decoration. I also harbor an unrealistic desire to decorate cakes, so this was the next best thing. It's much easier than breaking out the fondant and frosting, trust me. I ended up being very pleased with it, and afterwards, it was easy to simply repurpose the boxes and the topper. Here's how I made it:

1. Paint the papier-mache boxes (lids included) in the desired shade and set aside to dry.

2. Cut strips of crepe paper to the desired height and carefully punch along one edge with the decorative edge punch. Repeat, for additional layers.

3. Turn the papier-mache boxes upside down and stack them on a cake stand. (I found that I didn't need to secure them to each other, but if you want to, you can attach them with double-sided tape, museum putty, or glue.) Glue the strips of crepe paper around the edge of each lid, then glue velvet ribbon over the bottom edge of each strip.

4. To make the topper, print out your number templates in the desired size and trace around the template onto the cardboard or cardstock. Cut out, then use the gel glue to attach a thin piece of floral wire to the back of each number.

5. Coat one side of the numbers with glue and then glitter. When the first side has dried, turn it over and repeat on the other side.

6. Make a paper sentiment banner (The font Exmouth was used for this one).

7. To assemble: Use a straight pin to poke 2 small holes in the top tier of your cake; slip the wired numbers into the holes and arrange as desired. Place the millinery flower in front of the numbers, then nestle the paper banner between the petals.

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Thanks, Daisycrunch! But you know, I had the advantage of using premade papier-mache boxes. It would have been an entirely different story if I'd had to make everything from scratch! Hope you have as much fun with your project, though, as I did with mine.

THAT LOOKS AH-MAZING, im also attempting to make a 3 teir paper mache cake as you have done for my major visual arts project..the only problem is im never gonna be able to make one as good as that LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!! :D

I'm a professional magazine stylist and crafter, wife and mother and I live and create in New Orleans. I write about all the facets of my creative life here, both personal and professional, though like most Southerners, I reserve the right to digress.